Muslims shared flowers of peace with the community as they worked to build harmony in their neighbourhood after terrorist horrors in London.

Revenge attacks have targeted Islamic schools and community centres since the death of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month, but scenes in Winnersh could hardly be further from that reality.

Muslim and non-Muslim families ate, played and laughed together at a summer fair at Winnersh Community Centre which aimed to bring the groups together in love.

Organiser Mafaz Ali, of Munro Avenue in Woodley, said: “We wanted to provide an environment of harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims and were giving flowers to non-Muslims to show peace, friendship and love.

“We wanted to hold the fair especially after the Woolwich incident. We totally condemn what happened. It was the act of individuals and not the whole community.

“People were coming to us saying ‘we don’t have that image of Islam in our mind’.”

The event was organised by women from a Pakistani community group which has met in homes in Wokingham and Reading every week for the last seven years.

Families enjoyed a comedy magic show, listened to exciting storytelling and moved to energetic Zumba dance in the cheerful event at the centre in New Road on Saturday, June 2.

Mrs Ali, 33, added: “We had 52 stalls and 38 of them were run by non-Muslims.

“Previously we have done events exclusively for Muslims. The response this time has been really good and we’re planning another event for Eid-ul-Fitr [the end of Ramadan] in August.”

The fair raised more than a £1,000 towards a project promoting special sports classes for Muslim women at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

Mrs Ali continued: “There is a large Pakistani community in Berkshire and the group is empowering – especially to women.

“Some women are illiterate or have problems speaking English and meeting together gives them a better understanding of British life.”